New Ulm weekly review. [volume] (New Ulm, Minn.) 1878-1892, 1887-01-12

Total 81 ,52S'647 10
These statements show an increase in these
funds in two years Of 81. 3S2 61O 81, and an ag-
gregate accumulation OF $9.6O1, 637.14 Th,
yet remain unsold of the congressional gran,
land from which these funds are derived (esLl-
mating the full grant to common schools at
school grant, 80. 1913 acres in the university
grant, and 175 317 in the internal Improvement
land grant. 1t seems likely that former esti-
mates OF the ultimate accumulations of these
funds will be realized. and that when all the
lands are disposed of the permanent school
fund will amount to fully SIS, 100000. the uni
100000. IA
STATE DEBT.
The Indebtedness of the state is represented
by the following Issues of bonds:
Railroad adjustment bonds, issue
of 1881. due in twenty and redeem
able in Ten years. Z per cent: SO. 965, OOO
Revenue bonds, issue Of 1883 re-
deemable at the pleasure Of the
state, 41e per cent. ............... e1.oOO
The state debt has been reduced in two years
$457,GOO by the redemption of $l39.OOO of rev.
enue bonds, and the cancellation of $322.OOO OF
adjustment bonds. held by the internal i'm
provement land fund. The balance OF the rev.
revenues Of the current fiscal year. The inter
nal Improvement land fund is practically y sink
ing fund for the redemption Of the railroad ad-
justment bonds. That fund now holds securities
to the amount of 81 1928, 627. The balanEs OF
lands belonging to this fund will, when sold.
add more than million dollars to this accumu-
latiOn, and thus reduce the state debt due with
out taxation to less than 81. 100000.
EDUCATION.
The superintendent of public instruction re-
ports that lin all departments of our educa-
tional system there has been uninterrupted
which detract from its harmonious working.
and recommends in that behalf such remedial
legislation as will secure it's more perfect organ
ization. would especially call attention to his
recommendation that the common school organi-
zation be changed from the district to the town.
ship plan. The advantages Of this change are
succinctly set for in the superintend--
cordially concur. His suggestion, also,
that the school dis riot or township furnish
text books free to all pupils is in the line of pol
icy of the state that our common schools shall
be MADE free schools" in the fullest sieniica-
tion at the term From table in the suprein-
tendent' rseport, Showing the general distribu-
tion of the expense of instruction" it appears
that with much higher rate of local taxation
the country districts of the state expend less
per scholar than those in the cities and towns.
ceive over third longer term of instruction
each year. These facts prove that the property
Of the country is bearing an inequitable burden
OF taxatien for educational purposes. When we
are reminded too, that the state is aiding by
direct tax all other departments of education.
but is giving directly no such aid to the common
SCuOOlS \Guc pEGSeuu Oue-Iulll YAK DeluS SIMPLY
compulsory local taxi the thought is sug-
eested that we are neglecting the great source
of education for the people: The super
intendent's Recommendation in this con-
nection that special tax of one mill be levied
for the benefit of the common schools of the
state to be added to the present apportionment
from the income of the permanent fund, is COM
mended to your favorable consideration The
theory Of our system is that the greatest posi-
bic facility for an education shall be offered
every child In the state The greatest burdens
society bears are the outgrowths OF ignorance
and the vices with which it is associated, and
for their relief preventive influences which edu-
cation provides are surely more effective than
the curative measures furnished bv our reforma-
tory and penal institutions The education of
the masses is limited to tho instruction received
In the common schools. Comparatively few
reach the high schools or the university. It is
the first duty of the state, therefore, and con-
ducive to its highest interest to foster and de-
velop our system Of common schools. They are
the schools of the people, and the burden of their
support should be borne by all the people
equally, or as nearly so as practicable
There has been expended for the support OF
schools for the past two years $6,122,O77, as
follows: